How to Get a Job in Animation (And Keep It) [Paperback]

Gene Hamm (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 7, 2006

Finally! A book just for animators that shares not only how to get a foot in the door but also how to avoid the pitfalls that can send even the best artist back to the drawing board. Veteran animator and teacher Gene Hamm is your guide to the serious business of drawing cartoons, providing stories, insight, and advice for keeping your wits as sharp as your pencil in this highly competitive industry.

How to Get a Job in Animation (And Keep It) is divided into two sections. In Part One, artists looking for a job with an animation studio will discover pragmatic information such as:

• what to study in school and which books and videos to use for self-study
• how to track down studio jobs and land them
• what studios are really looking for on your reel
• how to make yourself indispensable once you have a job
• how to deal with the union
• how to survive in Hollywood.

In Part Two, animators who like to be their own boss will find out how to freelance, including crucial how-tos on:

• pricing jobs and maintaining client relations
• entering and winning a film festival
• marketing yourself and writing press releases
• joining professional organizations
• hiring an accountant and a lawyer
• getting your work copyrighted
• understanding the golden rule of freelance animation: never work for free.

Filled with amusing stories about working in the animation industry; brushes with silver-screen legends Tex Avery, John Lasseter, Roger Corman, and James Cameron; and plain old common sense, How to Get a Job in Animation (And Keep It) will entertain you as it trains you to make the leap into professional animation. It's the career guide that animators have been waiting for.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gene Hamm has worked on Bakshi's Lord of the Rings, The Smurfs, Superfriends, Gumby, and countless music videos. He is the creator of the animated feature The Dream Hat, Da Mert's Junior Cartoonist and Animation Studio, the Cartooning, Shortcuts, Formulas & Cheap Tricks DVD, and the award-winning short No Hat, No Mask, No Service. His website is www.hammination.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Heinemann Drama (April 7, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0325008027
• ISBN-13: 978-0325008028
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,074,310 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Worth $5, November 24, 2007

By 

Thunderrobot - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Get a Job in Animation (And Keep It) (Paperback)

This book is a fairly enjoyable read for someone interested in getting a job in animation, but it really doesnt tell you much. Its more or less the story of The author(Gene Hamm) and his experience in the animation field. If you can find it for under $5 get it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Golden Nugget of Information, June 2, 2007

By 

J. Schuh (Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to Get a Job in Animation (And Keep It) (Paperback)

Mr. Hamm provides an entertaining insight into the animation industry through his own life experiences while at the same time gives valuable information to help anyone seeking employment in the field of animation.

5.0 out of 5 stars What More Could You Ask For, September 11, 2007

By 

R. Mclaughlin (Raleigh, NC, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to Get a Job in Animation (And Keep It) (Paperback)

Genius advice about a finicky industry from a true insider, told in an inspirational, humorous tone.